shooting a commerical at DVinfo.net

Chris Fritsche · July 25th, 2005, 10:16 AM

I have a possably have a job shooting a commerical for a real estate agent.
what can except to come up and cause problems?I only have one camera.

Matt Champagne · July 25th, 2005, 11:46 AM

One camera can definately pull it off...just be concerned with how you will do your audio and what you will use as a music track. Figure out before hand if you will be over dubbing in post , or if it would be better to mic the agent and/or other actors involved. The biggest problem with most commercials is just plain bad audio.

Other than that have a good amount of soft diffusion lights...want to make that real estate agent look young and attractive and all.

Chris Fritsche · July 25th, 2005, 03:59 PM

I have a good wireless mic, Most of this will pobably be shot outside, maybe for a 30 sec spot. Thanks for the imput, anything else..???

Steve House · July 25th, 2005, 04:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris Fritsche

I have a good wireless mic, Most of this will pobably be shot outside, maybe for a 30 sec spot. Thanks for the imput, anything else..???

Check for the actual running time required. Commericals are usually very tight and a 30-second spot is not exactly 30-seconds but more like 28. Not 27, not 29, but 28 right on the money. Check with the ad agency to make sure what the requirements are for this particular spot. Also check for any requirements such as specific tape format, bars and tone at the head, required audio levels, etc. Depending on the station, market, or network some are very detailed as to what is and what is not technically acceptable and they may assume you know already if you don't ask but if you do ask, they may well have a detailed spec to give to you outlining exactly how you have to prepare it for broadcast.

Glenn Chan · July 25th, 2005, 05:03 PM

Your question is really broad which would make it hard to answer.

There's technical things that can go wrong, which you more or less learn through experience. If you haven't shot a similar project before you might want to do a dry run or something.

Things you can do to prepare:

Have you scouted the location? Do you have a list of things to look for and things to do while scouting the location?

Preproduction- you can prepare things beforehand like:
Script
Storyboard (optional)
Shot/setup list - which lighting setups you want to do, in what order
Breakdown sheet - schedule + phone #s + location address; for a small shoot may not be necessary
Props / wardrobe /equipment list (can attach to breakdown if you want) - and a list of other stuff you need to bring so you don't forget
*If talent is bringing their clothing, you may want to tell them to avoid pure white or black clothing since those colors won't show up well on camera. If they wear glasses, maybe they can get contacts (or prepare appropriately; John Jackman's lighting book has some info).

2- Something else can go wrong is that the client doesn't know what they want. This can lead to a very long and painful shoot. You could try to plan around this and should try to avoid these situations in the first place.

3- Shooting outside:
Lights won't do much unless you have some really powerful lights + a generator (or electrician to do a mains tie-in). Reflectors however will do something. Time of day affects the angle of the sun and direction of shadows. Lighting books would have information on this.

Weather can be a problem. Cloud cover may cause shifting brightness on the subject.

July 25th, 2005, 10:16 AM	#1
Chris Fritsche Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Houston, TX (Cypress to be exact) Posts: 169	shooting a commerical I have a possably have a job shooting a commerical for a real estate agent. what can except to come up and cause problems?I only have one camera.

July 25th, 2005, 11:46 AM	#2
Matt Champagne Major Player Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: New Iberia, LA Posts: 229	One camera can definately pull it off...just be concerned with how you will do your audio and what you will use as a music track. Figure out before hand if you will be over dubbing in post , or if it would be better to mic the agent and/or other actors involved. The biggest problem with most commercials is just plain bad audio. Other than that have a good amount of soft diffusion lights...want to make that real estate agent look young and attractive and all.

July 25th, 2005, 03:59 PM	#3
Chris Fritsche Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Houston, TX (Cypress to be exact) Posts: 169	I have a good wireless mic, Most of this will pobably be shot outside, maybe for a 30 sec spot. Thanks for the imput, anything else..???

July 25th, 2005, 05:03 PM	#5
Glenn Chan Inner Circle Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Toronto, Canada Posts: 4,750	Your question is really broad which would make it hard to answer. There's technical things that can go wrong, which you more or less learn through experience. If you haven't shot a similar project before you might want to do a dry run or something. Things you can do to prepare: Have you scouted the location? Do you have a list of things to look for and things to do while scouting the location? Preproduction- you can prepare things beforehand like: Script Storyboard (optional) Shot/setup list - which lighting setups you want to do, in what order Breakdown sheet - schedule + phone #s + location address; for a small shoot may not be necessary Props / wardrobe /equipment list (can attach to breakdown if you want) - and a list of other stuff you need to bring so you don't forget *If talent is bringing their clothing, you may want to tell them to avoid pure white or black clothing since those colors won't show up well on camera. If they wear glasses, maybe they can get contacts (or prepare appropriately; John Jackman's lighting book has some info). 2- Something else can go wrong is that the client doesn't know what they want. This can lead to a very long and painful shoot. You could try to plan around this and should try to avoid these situations in the first place. 3- Shooting outside: Lights won't do much unless you have some really powerful lights + a generator (or electrician to do a mains tie-in). Reflectors however will do something. Time of day affects the angle of the sun and direction of shadows. Lighting books would have information on this. Weather can be a problem. Cloud cover may cause shifting brightness on the subject.